Life, the brand-new drama series from the team behind Doctor Foster [1], has kicked off on BBC1 and already has viewers hooked. We love a good spinoff series [2], and this follow up to the 2015 smash-hit series is no exception. The six-part series — which has now dropped as a boxset on BBC iPlayer — follows the intertwining stories of the residents of a large Manchester house that has been converted into four flats. As each of the character's stories unfolds, we learn that they tell a larger story about what happens when we step out of our personal space and take a closer look into other people's lives.

According to the series creator Mike Bartlett [3], "each episode will explore themes of 'love, parenthood, loss, and self-discovery.'"

If you're wondering just how the story ties into Doctor Foster, let us explain: Belle, played by Victoria Hamilton, is actually Anna, the neighbour who lived opposite the Fosters. Now going by a new name, she's moved on from her cheating husband and made a new start for herself in the Northern city. While Suranne Jones, aka Doctor Gemma Foster herself, is sadly not going to make an appearance, Hamilton isn't the only face you'll recognise in Life. Keep reading for a lowdown of the rest of the cast and where you may have seen them before.

Victoria Hamilton as Belle

Victoria Hamilton stars as Belle/Anna, a Pilates teacher on the hunt for both a new job and a new man whose neatly ordered life is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of her troubled teenage niece. Aside from Doctor Foster, Hamilton is known for playing Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother [4] in The Crown, as well as for roles in Call the Midwife [5] and Mansfield Park.

Alison Steadman as Gail

Best known for her hilarious turn as Pam Shipman in Gavin And Stacey [6], Steadman plays Gail, Belle's neighbour who is about to celebrate her 70th birthday when a chance encounter with an old school friend throws her whole life into question.

Melissa Johns as Hannah

Melissa Johns plays Hannah, a heavily pregnant young woman also residing in the Manchester flats. The actress has previously starred in ITV soap Coronation Street as well as The Interceptor, In the Long Run, I Hate Suzie, and Flack.

Saira Choudhry as Saira

Rising star Saira Choudhry [7] is most recognisable for her portrayal of Naila Badal in Coronation Street but fans will also know her for playing Anita Roy in Hollyoaks and PC Tegan Thompson in No Offence. In Life, her character, also named Saira, takes a liking to university lecturer David when she meets him while on holiday only to find out when she returns to Manchester she's in his class. Talk about awkward.

Calvin Demba as Andy

Actor Calvin Demba, who plays the father of Hannah's baby, also hails from Hollyoaks, having made his name on the show playing Scott Sabeke. Demba has had supporting roles in Youngers and Sherlock as well as the film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

Adrian Lester as David

The fourth and final flat in the building is owned by David, a university lecturer whose marriage and faith is questioned when he meets the spontaneous and free-spirited Saira while on holiday. Life viewers will most likely recognise Lester from his roles in Hustle, London Spy, and Riviera

Erin Kellyman as Maya

Belle's niece Maya is played by Erin Kellyman who, at just 21, has many impressive roles under her belt, having starred in Solo: A Star Wars Story [8], Raised by Wolves, and last year's BBC adaptation of Les Misérables.

Adam James as Neil

Adam James will reprise his role of Neil, Belle/Anna's now ex-husband. Aside from his role in Doctor Foster, James has also recently starred in Belgravia and I May Destroy You.